two black birds sitting next to each other on lower part of branch; larger grey and light pink speckled bird sitting above them on branch; willow tree in back at top L

Kite and two crows, c. 1766-1770

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A pair of crows huddle against a downpour of rain, suggested by diagonal bands of ink wash and downturned leaves. Farther up on the same branch, a kite (a type of bird of prey) appears unperturbed by the stormy weather. The pairing of a kite and crows appears with some frequency in paintings by Yosa Buson, as it does in a type of poetry known as haikai (the poetic form from which modern-day haiku evolved). Buson was a master of both mediums, and it is possible that the subject of his painting was drawn from a poem.

Details
Title
Kite and two crows
Artist Life
1716 - 1783
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.31.62
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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two black birds sitting next to each other on lower part of branch; larger grey and light pink speckled bird sitting above them on branch; willow tree in back at top L